Why Does the Back of My Heel Hurt in Fall Boots?

Fixing Haglund’s Deformity

As many of our patients swap open summer sandals for rigid riding boots, stylish chukkas, or structured ankle boots, we get ready to work. Why? Because the fashion shift often triggers a sharp, burning pain right at the back of the heel.

If you notice a hard, bony bump forming on the back of your foot, you might have a condition referred to as Haglund's Deformity. At PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center, we see an uptick in this painful problem every September. Keep reading to learn how our specialists eliminate the pain.

What Causes the "Pump Bump"?

Doctors sometimes call Haglund's Deformity the "pump bump" because stiff dress shoes, high heels, and rigid boots constantly scrape against the heel bone.

·      When you trap your heel inside a hard leather boot, the stiff back of the shoe violently rubs against your heel bone with every single step.

·      Your body responds to this friction by building a protective layer of extra bone.

·      Over time, this extra bone protrudes outward, creating a prominent bump that makes your favorite fall boots completely unwearable.

Stop Blaming Your Achilles Tendon

Many patients assume they strained a muscle or injured their Achilles tendon on a hike. However, the anatomy of your heel involves several moving parts.

·      The friction from your boots often inflames the fluid-filled sac (the bursa) sitting between the bone and the tendon.

Fashion Choices That Make Things Worse

Your footwear dictates your heel health. If you just bought new riding boots for the season, you must evaluate the fit!

Our “does it fit?” shoe guide is a first step toward keeping your bones healthy. You should also take some time to recognize the common ways high heels can damage your feet and make the problem worse.

·      A Quick Fitness Warning: Trying to boost your fall fitness routine? Skip the heavy ankle accessories! Strapping heavy weights over a Haglund's deformity increases the friction, which makes the bony bump grow much faster.

How We Eliminate the Friction

You do not have to throw away your entire fall wardrobe.

We fix Haglund's Deformity by altering how your foot sits inside the shoe. Our specialists frequently prescribe custom orthotics to slightly elevate your heel, which lifts the bony bump out of the shoe's "friction zone."

·      Remember: do not waste your money on cheap drugstore cushions! They won’t fix the core problem.

·      We build precise devices that cater to your feet and the life you lead, offering true mechanical support. There is an orthotic for every job (and most sports!)

·      Advances in fabrication will ensure you stay comfortable in professional dress shoes and rugged autumn boots alike.

Reclaim Your Fall Wardrobe

Stop forcing your feet into painful footwear! And don’t think you’re out of options, either. You can walk pain-free without sacrificing style! A thorough heel evaluation will lead us to the right answer for you.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we care for a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.